Private surveyors could be allowed to take over part of the job of their government counterparts in approving building safety for restaurants.
Buildings Department acting assistant director Philip Lau Yiu-wah said the move aimed to cut down red-tape in restaurant licensing and save applicants time.
The proposed system allows applicants to hire their own engineers to appraise and verify building safety and report directly to the municipal councils.
Last year, the department received 3,702 applications for restaurant licences and there have already been 1,005 applications for the first quarter of this year.
The department has drawn heavy criticism for its licensing procedures.
Different departments must approve hygiene, fire, and structural safety before a licence is granted.
